I was born and raised in Southern California in a community located in the Southeastern area of San Diego, known as “Emerald Hills.” The Southeast area of San Diego is also known for its gang rivalries, gang shootings, and death. I joined the United States Army to be able to attend college and have a better life. I would later leave college to return home to care for my father. I would then make a choice to become a San Diego Police Officer. I would later have to patrol the area I grew up in.